The Yankees are expected to attempt to re-sign starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda this offseason and should have ample funds to get the contract done.

But they're going to have some competition.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes in this week's Sunday notes column that Kuroda "may be the most sought-after pitcher in terms of number of teams interested" because he only wants a one-year deal so that he can return to his native Japan after the 2013 season if he so desires. Cafardo says the deep-pocketed Dodgers "would love to have him back" and that the Red Sox "have a shot" because other Japanese pitchers have enjoyed the city of Boston.